The New Orleans Saints avoided a humiliating upset as they came back to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20. The Buccaneers blew a 20-7 lead that they held in the third quarter.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees had an overall poor showing with 281 yards and a touchdown pass with three interceptions on 24-of-38 passing, but he threw his touchdown pass to give the Saints their lead.

Outside linebacker Junior Galette sealed the win with a safety when just over a minute remained in the game. The Buccaneers failed to convert an onside kick after this play, so the Saints kneeled to run down the clock.

Running back Mark Ingram ran for 57 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, and wide receiver Kenny Stills led the Saints in receiving with five catches for 82 yards.

For the Buccaneers, quarterback Josh McCown was held to 115 yards and a touchdown with an interception on 14-of-23 passing. He was sacked for a safety at the end, which proved to be costly for the Buccaneers.

Running back Doug Martin continued his strong finish to the 2014 season though as he ran for 108 yards on 19 carries. Rookie Charles Sims added 69 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.